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CEC orders 21,584 ballots; 18,506 registered voters so far
The Commonwealth Election Commission has ordered from a Nebraska company the printing of 21,584 ballots for this Nov. 3 general elections.
Igitol
CEC administrative officer Kayla Igitol said they expect the ballots to arrive on Saipan by Sept. 14.
Igitol told members of the House of Representatives during Tuesday’s House session that they will try to send the absentee ballots by mid- to end of September.
Igitol also disclosed to Saipan Tribune that, as of Tuesday, there were 18,506 registered voters in the CNMI.
Villagomez
CEC executive director Julita A. Villagomez said they are now just waiting for the different political parties to give them the names of their poll watchers so they could start their training early. She said the parties are sometimes late in turning in of the names of their designated poll watchers, resulting in their training being held close to election day.
Villagomez said they have a deadline for political parties to submit the names of their poll watchers but the political parties would usually ask for an extension until the CEC is nearly out of time.
House floor leader Rep. John Paul Sablan (R-Saipan) urged the CEC to emphasize the need to train CEC staff and poll watchers so voters are assured of a smooth process in this election.
“We need to provide training so we don’t rush things on election day. It’s a very serious matter,” Sablan said.
The House then passed Tuesday a consultative version of the Senate bill that suspends certain CNMI election laws for the Nov. 3 general election to mitigate the public health risks due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The House also unanimously passed Senate Bill 21-67, SDI, that amends the election law to allow a member of the Commonwealth Election Commission to appear, attend, participate, and vote in an official meeting using a telephone, video, or other electronic means due to COVID-19 situation. Sen. Sixto K. Igisomar (R-Saipan) introduced the two bills.
